Press



4' Sheets-Sheet 1 PRESS lllll/I/lI/l/AY/I/l O. C. SCHMIDT Filed Feb. 16, 1939 o a a -l 8 a O 6 m June 25, 1940.

o. c. SCHMIDT 2,205,673 PRESS 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 16, 1939 iatente c l June 25, 1940 UNITED STATES 2,205,673 PRESS I Oscar C. Schmidt, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to The Cincinnati Butchersv Sup ly Compan Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application February 16, 1939, Serial No. 256,682

24 Claims.

My invention relates to presses for use in pressing material, and primarily in pressing bacon or the like into desired forms and sizes so as to incorporate into the body of the bacon any protruding surfaces, ragged edges or projections,to provide straight edges, right angular corners and flat sides, in order that the bacon may be out without waste, and that the slab or side of bacon may be cut into strips of uniform size and pleasing appearance.

My invention consists in novel means for accomplishing these purposes; further, in providing a novel press box for the material; further, in providing a plurality of forms of different sizes arranged to be selectively placed in operative positions for coaction with the bacon and a coacting pressure member, the selected form and pressure member being so arranged as to have pressing movement therebetween; further, in pro-- viding novel lateral walls between which the bacon is located while being pressed and novel means for relative movement between said lateral walls for coaction with the bacon in novel manner to press the bacon edgewise in order that the slab or side of bacon shall acquire the desired size, thickness and form; further, in mounting various forms of different sizes on a movable carrier so arranged that by moving the carrier the desired form is brought into. coactive position with the pressure member; further, in providing a lateral wall in conjunction with the form and novel means whereby to move the form with its lateral wall for acting compressingly on the bacon; further, in providing novel lateral walls which coact with the form to enclose the bacon in novel manner, and novel means for movement between the walls for compressing the bacon edgewise; and, further, in providing novel means for approach between the form and the coacting pressure member, between which the bacon is located, for compressing the bacon in the direction of its thickness.

My invention consists, further, in providing a novel bacon press and forms therefor of different sizes in association with which respectively sides of bacon of different sizes may be pressed, and means whereby the form for any given side of bacon may be readily placed in active relation in the press for coaction with the selectecl side of bacon for pressing the same, whereby uneven sides of bacon of various sizes may be respectively pressed in coaction withforms of respectively the desired sizes to reduce the sides of bacon to the most advantageous even forms and sizes, for producing most uniform slices therefrom to enhance the value of the product.

My invention consists, further, in providing novel fluid means and controls for the same whereby the desired 'coactive positions between the form and the coacting pressure member and the lateral walls are obtained; and, further, in providing novel means for controlling the approach between lateral walls and between the pressure member and the form for desired controlled action upon the bacon.

The invention will be further'readily understood from the following description and claims, and from the drawings, in which latterz Fig. 1 is a front elevation of my improved device, partly broken away.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the table and parts. mounted thereon, partly broken away.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional detail view of the main cylinder and piston, taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2, and partly broken away.

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of my improved device. a Fig. 5 is a verticalcross-section of the same, taken on the irregular line 55 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal section of my improved device, taken on the line 66 of Fig. 4, and partly broken away. l v

Fig. '7 is a detail sectional view of the mounting of the-end wall on the table, taken in the plane of the line 'll of Fig. 6. 1

Fig. 8 is a sectional detail view of the form carrier, taken on the line 8- 8 of Fig. 6, and partly broken away.

Fig. 9 is a central vertical cross-section of my improved device, taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 1, showing the table in retracted relation in full lines and in pressing relation in dotted lines, and partly broken away.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional View of a detail showing the latter relation.

Fig. 11 is a vertical axial sectional view, showing the operating valve mechanism of my improved device, taken on the line I lH ofFig. 1, and partly broken away. Figs. 12; 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views of the same, taken respectively in the planes of the lines l2,-|2, I3I3 and l4l'4 of Fig. 11, and partly broken away; and,

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the revolving valve member.

In the'present exemplification of my invention, I

(Figs. 1, 4', 5, 6 and 9); there is a frame 2| comprising a hollow base 22, having side walls 23, provided with openings 24, through which a part of the mechanism in the base may be viewed and operated. Posts 26 are secured to the base and extend upwardly therefrom at its respective ends. The upper ends of the posts are connected by a yoke 21, having a rigid bridge 28, and depending ends 29, the lower end of which are suitably connected with the upper ends of the posts for providing a rigid structure.

In the present exempliflcation cylinders 3|, 32 in cylinder blocks 33, 34 are provided at the respective ends of the frame, the cylinder blocks being shown as part of the frame. Each of the cylinder blocks is provided with an upper seat 35; Feet 35 of the depending ends of the yoke are supported by these seats and are secured thereto by bolts 37. The upper end of each of the upright posts is provided with a collar 38 having a flange 39, the collar being secured to the post as by having threaded connection 40 therewith,

whereby to adjust the relative heights of the flanges. The cylinder blocks are respectively provided with flanges 4|. The flanges 39 and 4| are supportingly connected and rigidly secured together by bolts and nuts 42.

Plates or forms of various dimensions are provided for accommodating sides or slabs of bacon of different sizes, such forms being shown at 45, 4B, 47 and 48, (Figs. 1, 4, 5, 6 and 9), respectively form pressure members, and are arranged to be brought selectively into coactive relation with a a coacting pressure member 49 of the press box 59 between which the side or slab of bacon is arranged to be placed for being pressed.

These forms are preferably mounted on a form carrier 5| movable to bring any of the forms into coactive relation with the coacting pressure member 49. The form carrier is shown as a turret, which is rotatable so as to bring any of the forms into coactive position. Four of these forms are shown in the present exempliflcation,-

but it is obvious that the number of the same may be diminished or increased, a carrier of sufflcient size being provided. If the carrier takes the form of a turret, the forms and their coactive mechanisms may be located in angular arrangement about the axis of the turret. In the present exemplification the turret is rotatably mounted about a rod or shaft 52, the respective ends of which also serve as pistons 53, 54 in the respective cylinders 3|, 32. The turret is arranged to be indexed about the axis of the shaft and to be held endwise with relation to;the shaft, and the shaft is preferably held non-rotating with relation to the cylinders.

Thus the turret is provided with bearings 55, 58, which are rotatable about the shaft, collars 57, 58 being secured to the shaft to locate the turret endwise on the shaft. -An indexing lock BI has a handle 62 and is pivoted on a pin 63 in a slot 64 in the collar 58, the lock being snugly located between the wallsof the slot for holding the lock laterally rigid for rigid index position of the turret. This lock is arranged to be received in a coacting slot 65 in the turret for each of the forms thereon. When the handle 62 is depressed the locking end of this lock moves out of the slot 65 on the turret, whereupon the turret may be rotated and be locked in a new position upon registry of another slot 65 thereon with said lock, and for bringing another form thereon in coactive relation with the coacting pres'sure'mernber. The shaft 52 is prevented from turning by means of a key 66 secured to the cylinder block 34, and entering a slot 61 extending lengthwise of the shaft.

.Stops E l, F5 are provided for limiting endwise movements of the turret for correctly positioning the same endwise with relation to its coacting pressure member. These stops are shown as bolts adjustably threaded into the respective cylinder blocks, having jam nuts 16, TI to clamp the bolts in adjusted positions. The cylinders and pistons are an example of fluid actuated motor arranged to stall and build up back pressure in the fluid feed passage upon completion of its movementv I The coacting pressure member 49 is shown as a plate or table having a pressing face I8 and is shown on a slide 19, provided with bearings 8|, at itsrespective ends about the posts 26, and movable up and down on said posts. A main cylinder 82 is mounted on the base 22 (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9) and is provided with an upper flange 83 fixed to the top wall 84 of the base by bolts and nuts 85, the top wall having an opening 85 through which the cylinder extends. The cylinder has an upper head 9| fixed to the upper cylinder flange 83 by bolts and nuts 92, and has a central hole 93 through which a piston rod 94 for the table extends. This piston rod is secured to the table by a suitable connection 95, the piston rod being provided with a rounded upper end 95 received in a similarly formed socket 97 in the table, and has an annular groove 98 in which the inner edges of affixing keys 99 are located, these keys being secured to the table. The cylinder head 9! is provided with a gland packing IOI for the piston rod. The other endof the cylinder is provided, with a head I02 secured to an annular flange IE3 at the lower end of the cylinder by bolts and nuts I04.

A piston head In! is reciprocable in the cylinder and is releasably secured to the piston rod by nuts IE8 threaded over the reduced end of the piston rod, about which there is a bearing 569 of the piston head secured between a shoulder I II) on the piston rod and said nuts. The piston head is provided with oppositely presented cup washers I I I, II 2, secured to the piston head by rings H3, H4, bolts II5 passing through said rings, the piston head and said washers and nuts, for securing the same together. The main cylinder is provided with ports H8, H9 at its respective ends, through which operating fluid passes for operating the piston and raising and lowering the table. The piston and cylinder are an exempliflcation for a fluid motor for operating the table. I

Pressure walls (Figs. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 9) are provided for the slab of bacon to compress the slab of bacon in its plane, that is, edgewise. These walls comprise lateral walls I2I, I22, and lateral walls I23, I24 at right angles thereto. The latter walls may be termed end walls. These lateral walls have movement imparted between them for compressing the slab of bacon in the direction of its plane in the press box.

The lateral walls I2I, I22 are movable toward each other along the bacon supporting face T8 of the table for pressing the side margins of the slab of'bacon toward the middle of the slab, and s are retractable to normalpositions. This lateral movement of these'lateral walls is provided in the present instance by mounting the respective lateral walls 'I2I, I22 on the inner end of stems I25, I26, the outer ends of the stems for the respective walls-being secured to bars I21, I28 The bars are normally urged outwardly respectively by means of springs I29 located about positioning bolts I38, the bolts and springs passing loosely through holes I3I (Fig. 6) in depending walls I 32 of the table, the rods passing loosely through holesl33 (Fig. 2) in the bars I21, I28, and having nuts I34, I35 received about their outer threaded ends for limiting separating movement between said bars.

Pairs of rack rods I4I, I42 (Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 6) are spaced apart and operate the bars. The rack rods I4I, I42 slide in bearings I43, I44 in the depending walls of the table (Fig. 5). One of the rack rods of each pair is secured in a bearing I 45 in one of the bars by a pin I46 and slides in a bearing I41 in the other bar I 28, and the other rack rod of each pair is secured in a bearing I48 in said other bar I28by a pin I49 and slides in a bearing I58 in said one of said bars. These rack rods of each pair are provided with oppositely presented racks I53, I54, the teeth of which are meshed by the teeth of an intermediate pinion I55, fixed to a shaft I56, journaled in bearings I51, I58 depending from the table. The shaft is provided with spools I59 fixed to its respective ends. Each spool is arranged for receiving a flexible connection I68 thereabout. The flexible connections are shown as chains. Each of these spools'is provided with a segment face I6I about which its flexible connection is wrapped. One end of each of the flexible connections is fixed to a hog I62 extending radially from the spool. The other end of each flexible connection is articulated at I63 with a rod I64. These rods are guided for longitudinal movement in bearings I65, in the flange I66 of the upper cylinder head, and pass loosely through recesses I61,"I68 respectively in the upper flange 83 of the cylinder and in the upper wall 84 of the base.

Each of the rods (Figs. 5 and 6) is provided with a reduced portion I1I, forming a shoulder I12 at its upper portion, against which a collar I13 abuts. A spring I14 is located about each of the reduced portions of said rods between said collar and a washer I15, positioned with relation to the rod by a nut I16 and a jam nut I11 threaded over the lower threaded end of said reduced portion of the rod to adjust the tension of the spring. The washers I13 and the springs pass freely through the recesses I68, I61, thewashers I13 being arrested by the bearings I65 during continuing upward movement of the rods, thereby applying pressure to the springs, which act resistantly to inward movement of the lateral walls I2I, I22 for additionally stabilizing said walls and firming their movements.

When the table is raised the lateral walls I2I, I22 and the rods move freely therewith until the upper ends of the lateral walls I2I, I22 are sub.

stantially on a level with the lower face I18 of the form thereabove or the end wall I23 or near.

to such level. When the upper ends of the lateral Walls have been raised sufiiciently, the collar, I13 is held from further, upward movement by the; wall of the bearing I65, and resistance is caused to further upward movement of the rods, re-v tsulting in rotation of the shaft I56, for moving the rack rods I 4|, I42 secured to the respective lateral walls I2I, I22, for moving said lateral walls toward each other and toward the slab of bacontherebetween, for compressing said slab .laterally in its plane and contracting the slab in lateral size to the width of the form toward which the slab is being moved, so that the slab of bacon will preferably have been fully compressed laterally by the time coaction thereof walls I84 of said slots, the inwardly presented faces of said projections having outwardly slanting faces I85 at the entering ends of said slots for ready reception of said lateral walls in said slots. The upper faces of the stems I25, I26 are provided with recesses I86 for accommodating the lower ends of said outer walls I84 of said slots when in fully coacting position, and the connecting walls I 81 between adjacent side walls are rabbeted, as shown at I88, for accommodating the actuating bars I21, I28 with which said lateral walls I 2I, I22 are connected.

The end walls I24, I23 are respectively located in association with the table and with the form (Figs. 6, 7 and 8), and are arranged to respectively recede to permit pressure on the slab of below the surface of the table to form a re duced portion of said end wall and shoulders I thereon, coacting shoulders I96 being formed at the lower ends of the edge slots I92 in said table. Springs I91 are located in said slots;I92 between the shoulders I95 and I96, to resiliently hold the end. plate I24 in protruding position. Pins I98 in said end plate are arranged to abut upon the table for limiting upwardfimovement of said end plate. The end plate I24 is preferably as wide as the greatest width of slab of bacon it is desired to press. The end'plate I24 is arranged tov contact the pressing face of the form coacting therewith at the greatest distance between the coacting pressing faces while pressing the greatestthickness of bacon it is desired to press, and to recede as said distance decreases during coaction between the pressing faces.

An end plate I23 is provided for each of the forms, and is .of a width corresponding to the width ofthe form with which it coacts. (Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 8). It is arranged to move perpendicularly to the pressing face I18 of the form between the end of the form and a retaining plate 28I held to the form by shoulder bolts 262 passing through the retaining plate and through slots 283 in the end plate extending porpendicularly to the pressing face of the form,

coaction between said bolts and the outer side walls of the slots aiding in maintaining movement of the 'end walls perpendicular to said pressing face. Springs 224 are located in recesses 205 in the end wall between the outer ends of said recesses and shoulders 206 in the form, to press the end wall outwardly.

. Referring to Figs. 1, 4, 5, 6 and 8, it will be noted that when a plurality of forms of various sizes are located on a turret, the retaining plates for the respective end walls of the respective forms are consolidated as a single retaining plate provided with radiating wings in which the slots 55 of the index of the turret are located, this plate being secured to the turret by the bolts 262. When approach between the table and the form takes place, the end wall I23 will, upon contact thereof by the pressing face of the table, recede into the form, the springs 284 causing pressure between said end wall and said pressing face during further approach between the pressing faces of the table and form. Upon endwise movement between the form and the table, the slab of bacon is moved endwise for end contact between it and the end walls :23, I 24 and endwise compression between said end walls, the said end walls receding with relation to the pressure faces of the table and form upon further approach between said pressing faces for further compressing the slab of bacon in the direction of its thickness.

When the table is in retracted position, there is sufficient space between the table and the turret to permit convenient placing of the selected slab of bacon on the table and the rotation of the turret for placing the proper form to coact with said slab of bacon in coactive relation with the table. During the first part of the approaching movement of the table toward the turret, the lateral walls 52!, I22 move idly with the table. As this approaching movement continues, the collars I13 strike the walls of the bearings I55 through which the rods I 64 pass,

for arresting said collars and applying pressure to the springs I14, which reacts on the rods I64 to cause resistance upon the outer ends of the flexible connections IE0 or chains in order to rotate the shaft I56 and thereby cause approach between the lateral walls I2I, I22 during the further approaching movement of the table toward the turret, producing combined inward and upward movements upon said side walls in slanting inward and approaching paths toward the turret.

These slanting movements are the same for all sizes of forms until resistance is met by contact with the form or its end wall. It is desirable that the entering edges of the side walls shall enter the receiving slots IBI, I82 for all the forms regardless of which form is presented toward the table. These forms are however of various widths, the widths increasing in the order of the forms marked 45, 4B, 4! and 48 respectively, which may for example be seven, eight, nine and ten inches wide. The lateral walls I2I, I22 will in their approach movements toward the form arrive at said given distances apart in the order named, that is to say, it will require further approach movement toward the turret as the widths of the forms decrease for proper coaction between the lateral walls with the sides of the respective forms and proper entry of the advancing edges of said lateral walls into the slots at the respective sides of said respective forms.

In order to synchronize arrival of said lateral walls in proper relation with the forms of different widths, the distance of travel between the table and theforin is changed according to the width of the form. Thus the widest form is normally closest to the table in retracted position, the normal distance between the table and the form increasing with decrease in width of the form.

In order to provide for these various distances I mount the forms 45, 46, 41 and 48 on the tur ret at various distances from the axis of rotation of the turret, the widest form 48 being located at greatest distance from said axis so as to be closest to the table when the parts are in normal relations, the forms 41, 46 and 45 being at successively less distances from said axis. The shoulders 206 for the inner ends of the springs 204 are at corresponding varying distances from said axis, being located upon flat sides (Figs. 6 and 8) of a flange 201 extending from the bearing 56 of the turret, these flat sides being parallel with the pressing faces of the respective forms on the turret and permitting similar springs to be employed for all the end walls I23. i

A suitable fluid pump 2| I is operated by an electric motor 2I2, secured to the base, (Figs. 1, 4 and 6), and is fed by a pipe 2I3, having passage connection with a fluid reservoir M4. The fluid is preferably a suitable oil and the pump is preferably a suitable hydraulic pump. A pipe 2I5 leads from the pump to an intake port 2I6 in the casing 2I'I of a valve 2I8. (See also Figs. 11, 13, 14 and 15). A pipe 2I'9 has communication with a port 220 in the valve casing and has a check valve 22I and a manually operated Valve 222 therein. A branch pipe 223 has passage communication with the pipe 219 between the valve 222 and the check valve HI and has passage communication with the port H8 in the main cylinder 82. (Fig. 3). A by-pass pipe 224 has passage communications with the valve 222 and with the pipe 2I9. The regulating valve 222 regulates theflow of fluid from the pump through the pipes 2I9, 224 and 223 to the upper end of the main cylinder for descent of the table, the check valve being then automatically closed. When the main piston ascends, the discharge of fluid in the upper end of the main cylinder takes place through the pipe 223, the check valve which has been automatically opened and the pipe 2 l 9.

Another branch pipe 225 has passage communicationwith the pipe 224 and with the port III in the cylinder 3| at the outer side of the piston 53 therein. A pipe 226 has passage communication with the port II in the cylinder 32 at the outer side of the piston 54 therein and has passage communication with the port 221 in the valve casing 2I'I. A pipe 228 has passage communication with a port 229 in the valve casing and with the port H9 in the cylinder 82. A pipe 230 has passage communication with a port 23I in the valve casing and has a mouth 232 emptying into the reservoir 2 I4.

The valve 2I8 includes a rotor 235 rotatable in a cap 236 of the valve casing, suitably secured to the body of the casing by bolts 231. The rotor has a slide face 238 which coacts with the slide face 239 of the casing. An operating shaft 24I has a reduced end 242, which passes through a bearing 243 of the rotor and is journaled in a bearing 244 of the valve casing. The operating shaft has a drive connection with the rotor for rotating the rotor with the shaft, as by providing the shaft with a polygonal portion 245, received in a correspondingly formed recess in the rotor. The cap 236 is provided with a bearing 246 in which the shaft rotates.- Saidbearing comprises a gland packing 241.

An operating arm 248 is secured to said shaft for operating thelatter. (Figs. 1,4, 11 and 12). It is shown as a pluri-part arm comprising a hub portion 249 arranged to be secured to the shaft for rotating the same by providing the shaft with a polygonal portion 259 located in a correspondingly shaped hole in said hub portion, a suitable washer and a bolt 25! securing the parts in associated relations. plate 252 rigid therewith, and has an operating handle 253 extending therefrom. The operating handle is secured to the plate bymeans of a bolt 254on which the'operating handle isipivoted, the operating handle being clamped between nuts. 255, 256 threaded over the bolt. Theinner end of the bolt acts as a pin 251 which serves as a stop for limiting angular movement of the operating arm and is arranged to be brought into contact with lugs 258, 259 on the bearing 2 46, thereby also limiting angular movements of the rotor of the valve. The plate is provided with an arcuate slot 266 on a curve described from the bolt 254 as a center. A bolt 26I passing through said slot and a coinciding hole in the operating handle, a nut 262 threaded thereover clamping the handle in adjusted angular positions to the plate. v

The plate is provided with a socket which a plunger 268 is arranged to move. The plunger is provided with a stem 269, which extends outside the end of the socket and is provided with a pin 210 to limit outward movement of the phmger, which is urged by a spring 2' surrounding the said stem between the head 212 of the plunger and the bottom wall of the socket. When the handle is moved in one direction the plunger is arranged to strike a shelf 273 adjustable by slots 214 on the valve head, compressing the spring. Release of the handle in this position causes retraction of the operatingarm a limited distance by the spring for holdingthe. rotor of the valve in a given position wit'h the slab of bacon under pressure.

The rotor of the valve is provided with a closed. annular wall 211 and with an outer web 218 extending throughout the area of the rotor.-

(Figs. 11, 13, 14 and 15) It is also provided with partitions 219, 286, having a cavity 28I at'one side thereof forming a port at the inner end of When it is desired to press a slab of bacon, it is placed on the table and the desired form on v the turret, depending on the size and shape of the slab, is brought opposite the tableby release, rotation and relocking of theturret, by manipulation of the turret lock GI and manual rotation of the turret. The table is during-such,

manipulation in retracted position, with the piston III! in down position in the cylinder 82,,ahd

the port II9 thereof in communication ,withithe port 229 in the casing of the operating. valve 2I8, through the pipe 228. The port 229 at such valve setting is in communication with the cavity 28I in the rotor of the valve, wh'ich .is in turn The hub portion comprises a.

munication with said outlet port 23I in the valve by means of the port II in said cylinder and the pipe 226. This is the normal or rest position of the parts.

After the bacon has been placed in position, the operating arm is moved to the left (Fig. 1) for bringing the port 286 in the rotor (Figs. 3, 11, 13, 14 and 15) into registry with the port 229 in the casing, whereby fluid from the pump through the pipe 2I5 passes through the inletport H6 in the valve casing, the port 281 in the rotor, the cavity 284 in the rotor and the port 286 in the rotor which registers With the port 229 in the valve casing, the fluid passing therethrough and through the pipe 228 through the port H9 in the cylinder 82 for raising the piston therein. It will be noted that the valve casing and the valve rotor are viewed from opposite ends in Figs. 14 and 15. The opposite side of the piston I61 is open to the reservoir for relief of pressure on 22I, (Fig. 1), the pipe 2I9, the port 220 in the valve casing, the cavity 28I in the rotor and the outlet port 23I in the valve casing through the pipe 230 into the reservoir.

The operator permits the operating handle to remain in this position until the table has been sufficiently raised for proper approach between the table and the form and by such approach causing idle movement of the lateral walls and of one of the end walls with the table. Further movement in the same direction of the table causes movement of the lateral walls I2I I22 toward each other by contact of the collars I13 with the bearings I65 in the cylinder head, to cause rotation of the shaft I56 and endwise movement in reverse directions of the rack rods I4I, I42, and consequent lateral movements of the lateral walls, to compress the slab of bacon laterally, limited by contact of said walls with the lateral faces of the form. Further approach movement between the table and the form causes entrance of said lateral walls into the side slots I6I, I82 at thesides of the form. Such further approach also causes recession of the end walls, the end wall I24 contacting the form, and the end wall I23 contacting the table, and being yieldable in directions perpendicular to" the table and form respectively, against the resistance of the springs I91, 264, normally moving said end walls outwardly. 1

The operating arm being now moved further in the same direction toward the left, registry is caused between the port 221 in the valve casing and the port 286 in the rotor. The registry of these ports causes fluid to pass from the pump through the pipe 2I5, the inlet port 2I6 of the valve casing, the port 281, the cavity 284 and the port286 in the rotor, the latter port register- .ing with the port-221 in the valve casing, the

port 229 having been closed by the web 285, and through the pipe 226 and the port I! in the outer end of the right-hand cylinder 32 (Figs. 1 and 6), for moving the form and the end wall I23 in association therewith endwise to the left, and toward the end wall I24 on the table, for

compressing the slab of bacon endwise whilst holding the same in pressed relation between the lateral walls I2I, I22, and the table and form respectively. As the pistons and their rod or shaft and the turret mounted thereon are thus moved to the left, the fluid at the outside of the left-hand piston 53 exhausts through the port I!) in the outer end of the cylinder 3|, the pipes 225, 224, 2H the port 220 in the casing, the cavity 23! in the rotor, and the outlet port 23| in the casing and the return pipe 230, emptying into the reservoir.

When such endwise movement between the form and the table has taken place to desired extent, limited by the stop M, the operating handle is released by the operator and caused to automatically move to slight extent in retracting direction by means of the plunger 268 and spring Ell, thereby slightly rotatively retracting the rotor of the valve and causing its port 286 to span the ports 221, 228 in the valve casing, the parts automatically remaining in this relation, for causing simultaneous pressure between the table and the form. and endwise pressure between the end walls acting on the bacon, the slab of bacon being also confined between the lateral walls l2l, I22, which coaction is continued for the desired period of time. As soon as the slab of bacon has been subjected to continuing pressure for the desired period of time, the operator returns the handle to initial position, returning the ports to the coactive relations for idle positions of the piston ID! in down position and the pistons 53, 54 at their right hand limits, as hereinbefore first described in describing the rela tions of the ports.

The operator has control of the speeds of up ward and downward movements of the table and endwise movements in reverse directions of the form or turret, and the durations, relations and repetitions of such movements and the relative pressures exerted, by manipulation of the operating handle, the regulating valve 222 also controlling speed of descent of the table.

It is desirable that endwise relief movement of the form shall take place prior to separation between the form and the table, so that the slab of bacon shall be contacted only by uniformly descending parts when such separation takes place, thus avoiding interfering holding of any portion of the slab during such separation, for instance, to prevent curling of the end of the bacon contacted by the end wall I 23. For accomplishing this the valve 222 is preferably a pressure relief valve of sufficient resistance to prevent flow of pressure fluid into the upper end of the main cylinder 82 until after the flow of the pressure fluid into the cylinder 3! has been substantially completed for right hand or relief movement of the form.

The pressure fluid during the return movements of the parts therefore passes first through the pipes 2l9, 224 and 225, being resisted by the pressure relief valve, until the piston 53 has reached its limit of movement toward the right, whereupon pressure builds up in the pipes H9, 224 and 225, until it exceeds the pressure limit of the pressure relief valve 222, after which the pressure fluid will pass through the pressure relief valve to cause descent of the piston I01 for descent of the table.

My improved device forms simple, convenient and readily controllable means for arrangement of the slab of bacon in the press, for desirable lateral, endwise and cross-sectional pressures upon the slab in desirable order and for desirable relative durations, for combined ones of such pressures, and for proper relief of such pressures in desirable order, and convenient means for pressing slabs of bacon of various sizes for uniform consistency of texture in the slabs to produce uniform product, and to form the slabs so that uniform slices may be cut therefrom for enhancing the value of the product.

Changes in the parts, and in the structures and arrangements of the parts and mechanisms herein exemplified may of course be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention set forth in the accompanying claims.

I claim:

1. In a bacon press, the combination of a pair of pressure plates, means for approach between them for pressure upon the material between said plates, lateral walls between said plates, additional lateral walls between said plates extending transversely to said first-named lateral walls and having attachment with said respective pressure plates, and actuating means for lateral movement between said pressure plates to produce movement between said additional lateral walls for pressure upon the material.

2. In a bacon press employing a press box, the combination of a pair of pressure plates, lateral walls to connect said plates, means for approach between said plates, operative connections therefrom to said lateral walls connected for sequential approach between said pressure plates and between said lateral walls for laterally closing the press box, end walls to connect said pressure plates extending transversely to said first-named lateral walls and having attachment with said respective pressure plates, and means for endwise movement between said pressure plates for pressure by said end Walls upon the material. g

3. In a bacon press employing a press box, the combination of a pair of pressure plates, lateral walls on one of said plates, and means for approach between said plates, a spaced operative connection therewith to said lateral walls operatively idle during the initial portion of said approach and operative for approach between said lateral Walls during a later portion of said approach between said plates to laterally close the press box.

4. In a bacon press employing a press box, the combination of a pair of pressure plates. lateral walls on one of said plates, means for approach between said plates, a spaced operative connection therewith to said lateral walls operatively idle during the initial portion of said approach and operative for approach between said lateral walls during a later portion of said approach between said plates to laterally close the press box, end walls between said plates having attachment with said respective plates, and means for lateral movement between said plates for approach between said end walls.

5. In a bacon press employing a press box, the combination of opposed upper and lower pressure members of the press box, lateral Walls of the press box, and means for approach in one direction between said pressure members and for approach in another direction between said lateral walls for combined movements in said plurality of directions of said lateral walls for overlapping the side margins of one of said pressure members to close the sides of the press box and for continuing approach between said opposed pressure members.

6. In a bacon press employing a press box, the combination of opposed upper and lower pressure members of the press box, lateralwalls of the press box, means for approach in one direction between said pressure members and forapproach in another direction between said lateral walls for combined movements in said plurality of directions of said lateral walls'for overlapping the side margins of one of said pressure members to close the sides of the press box and for continuing approach between said opposed pressure members, an end pressure wall resiliently mounted on each of said pressure members to coact with the pressure face of the other of said pressure members, and means for endwise movement between said pressure members for approach between said end pressure walls.

'7. In a press of the character described employing apress box, the combination of opposed pressure members, opposed lateral walls, and means for approach between said opposed pressure members and ior resilient approach between said lateral walls for location of one of said pressure members between said lateral walls during continuing approach movement between said pressure members.

8. In a press of the character described employing a press box, the combination of opposed pressure members, opposed lateral walls, means for approach between said opposed pressure members and for resilient approach between said lateral walls for location of one of said pressure members between said lateral walls during continuing approach movement between said pressure members, opposed lateral walls at substantial right angles to said first named lateral walls, and means for approach between said second named opposed lateral walls.

9. In a press of the character described employing a press box, the combination of opposed pressure members, opposed lateral-walls,'means for approach between said opposed) pressuremembers and for approach between said lateral walls for location of one of said pressure members between said lateral walls, said one of said pressure members and said lateral walls having interlocking connection between them comprising elements respectively in said one of said pressure members and lateral walls and resistingseparation between said lateral walls, opposed lateral walls at substantial right angles to said first named lateral walls respectively on said opposed pressure members, and means for movement between said opposed pressure members for approach between said last-named opposed lateral walls, and said elements lengthwise shiftable during said last-named approach.

10. In a press of the character described employing apress box, the combination of a table having a pressure surface, a pressure member table and said pressure member during idle relation in said last named means; and means whereby said last named means become'effective during said approach for coaction between said lateral walls and saidopposed pressure member 1 in directions slanting toward each other and toward said opposed pressure member whereby-to join with and overlap said opposed pressure member to laterally close the press box.

11. In a press of the character described 5; employing a press box,'the combination of a table having a pressure surface, a'pressure member opposed thereto, lateral walls on said table, means for opposite movements between said lateral walls crosswise of the pressure surface of said table for coaction with said opposed pressure member, means for approach between said table and said pressure member during idle, relation in said last-named means, means whereby said last-named means become efiective during said approach for coaction between said lateral walls and said opposed pressure member in, directions slanting toward each other and toward said opposed pressure member whereby to join with and overlap said opposed pressure member to laterally close the press box, said opposed pressure member provided with a resilient end wall placeable between said lateral walls during said last named movements, said table provided with a coacting end wall, and means for endwise movement between said table and said opposed pressure member for pressing movement between said end walls.

12. Ina press of the character described, the combination of a table having a pressing surface, an opposed pressure member having a pressing surface, lateral pressure walls movable crosswise of said pressing surface on said table to coact in overlapping relation with the lateral margins of said opposed pressure member, means for pressure movement between said table and said opposed pressure member, end walls on said table and said opposed pressure member respec tively to coact respectively with the pressure surfaces of said coacting pressure member and said table, one of said end walls located between said lateral walls during pressure relation between said table and said opposed pressure member, and means for endwise movements between said table and said coacting pressure member whereby to cause corresponding move ments between said end pressure walls for pressing the bacon between said table and said coacting pressure member endwise.

13. In a press of the character described, the combination of a table having a pressing surface, anopposed pressure member having. a pressing surface, lateral pressure walls movable crosswise'of said pressing surface of said table to coact in overlapping relation with the lateral margins of saidopposed pressure member, means for pressure movement between said table and said opposed pressure member, end walls on said tableand said opposed pressure member respectively to coact respectively with the pressure surfaces of said coacting pressure member and said table,- one of said end walls located between said lateral walls during pressure relation between said table and said opposed pressure member, means for endwise move-ments between said table and said coacting pressure member whereby toi causecorresponding movements between saidzend pressure walls for pressing the bacon betweensaid table and said coacting pressure'member endwise, and means whereby said end-pressure walls resiliently yield to approach between said table and said coacting pressure member.

14. In a press of the character described, the combination of atable having a pressure surface, coacting pressure members of various dimensions, means for coactive relation between 'a selected oneof said coacting pressure members and said table, said coacting pressure members having pressure surfaces, lateral pressure walls on said table, means for pressure movement between said table and said selected coacting pressure member, and means for resilient pressure movement between said lateral walls to move said lateral walls inwardly during said firstnamed pressure movement into coaction with the lateral margins of said selected one of said 00- acting pressure members of different dimensions to arrest approach between said lateral walls and for movement between said lateral walls and said lateral margins of said selected coacting pressure member during continuance of said first-named pressure movement in the direction of said first-named pressure movement.

15. In a press of the character described employing a press box, the combination of coacting pressure members having pressure surfaces, means for approach between said coacting pressure members, a lateral wall movable crosswise of the pressure surface of one of said pressure members, and interlocking means extending lengthwise of the other of said pressure members between said other of said pressure members and said lateral wall having interlocking elements engageable in interlocking relation by said approach to laterally close and lock the press box.

16. In a press of the character described employing a press box, the combination of coacting pressure members having pressure surfaces, means for approach between said coacting pressure members, a lateral wall movable crosswise of the pressure surface of one of said pressure members, an end wall on the other of said pressure members projected toward the pressure surface of said one of said pressure members, interlocking means extending lengthwise of said other of said pressure members between saidother of said pressure members and said lateral wall having interlocking elements engageable in interlocking relation by said approach to laterally close and lock the press box, and means for endwise movement between said pressure members for compressive movement of said end wall and endwise movement between said interlocking elements.

17. In a press of the character described employing a press box, the combination of a table having a pressure surface, a lateral wall movable thereover, an operating bar at the side of said table, a stem connecting said operating bar and said lateral wall above said pressure surface, an operating rod slidable in said table below said pressure surface and having operative connection with said operating bar to operate the latter, and operating means for said operating rod including resilient means yieldable upon excess resistance to movement of said lateral wall.

18. In a press of the character described employing a press box, the combination of a table having a pressure surface, a lateral wall movable thereover, a coacting pressure member above said table, elevating means for said table, a rockable shaft on said table, operating means connecting the latter with said lateral wall, and operating means for rocking said shaft including a resilient resistance part brought into resistance relation by elevation of said table to rock said shaft and thereby move said movable wall.

19. In a press of the character described employing a press box, the combination of a table having a pressure surface, a lateral wall movable thereover, a coacting pressure member above said table, elevating means for said table, a rockable part on said table, operating means connecting the latter with said lateral wall, and operating means for rocking said rockable part includ ing a flexible connection about said rockable part; a rod connected therewith, a spring to resist movement of said rod, and a part with relation to which said rod has operative movement so positioned as to resist movement of said spring to thereby rock said rockable part.

20. In a press of the character described employing a press box, the combination of a base, a table having a pressure surface, a lateral wall movable thereover, a coacting pressure member above said table, a rockable part on said table, operating means connecting the latter with said lateral wall, a flexible connection about said rockable part having attachment therewith to rock the same, a rod connected therewith having longitudinal movement with relation to said base and provided with an abutment slidable thereon and normally spaced from said base, said rod provided with a second abutment fixed thereto, a spring about said rod between said abutments, and elevating means for said table whereby to elevate said lateral wall in idle lateral relation with said table during normally spaced relation of said first-named abutment, for lateral movement of said lateral Wall on said table by said spring by arrest of said first-named abutment by said base and for arrest of said lateral movement of said lateral wall by said coacting pressure member during continuing elevational movevment of said table.

21. In a press of the character described employing a press box, the combination of opposed pressure members provided with pressing faces, means for approach between said members, opposed lateral walls on one of said members between which the other of said members is received upon approach between said members, means for lateral approach between said lateral walls, end Walls on Said respective members coacting with the pressing faces of theother of said members respectively, one of said end walls receivable between said lateral walls, and means for endwise movement between said members for compressive movement between said end walls.

22. In a bacon press employing a press box, the combination of coactive pressure members and lateral walls and end walls therebetween supported by said pressure members respectively to form the press box, a fluid motor for opposite pressure and relief movements between said pressure members, a fluid motor for opposite endwise movements between said end walls for pressure and relief movements between the latter, a source of fluid pressure supply, and fluid passages between the latter and said respective fluid motors including a pressure relief valve between said passages operated to open by back pressure on the fluid by said second-named fluid motor for fluid feed between said source of fluid pressure supply and said first-named fluid motor for relief movement between said pressure members after endwise relief movement between said end walls.

23. In a bacon press employing a press box, the combination of coactive pressure members and lateral walls and end walls therebetween supported by said pressure members respectively to form the press box, a fluid motor for opposite pressure and relief movements between said pressure members, a fluid motor for opposite endwise pressure and relief movements between said end walls, a fluid passage for connection with a source of fluid pressure supply, fluid passages communicating with said respective fluid motors, fluid passages including a by-pass passage between the latter and said first-named fluid passage, and a check valve and a pressure relief valve in said last-named fluid passages, said check valve opening toward said first-named fiuid passage and said pressure, relief valve having fluid connections with said fluid passages communicating with said respective fluid motors and normally e'iosed to said first-named fluid motor and open thereto by pressure in said secondnamed fluid motor to feed said second-named fluid motor and said first-named fluid motor in sequence.

24. In a bacon press employing a press box, the combination of coactive pressuremembers and lateral walls and end walls therebetween supported by said pressure members respectively to form the press box, a fluid motor for opposite.

pressure and relief movements between said pressure members, a fluid motor for opposite endwise pressure and relief movements between said end walls, a pressure fluid passage, fluid passages communicating with said respective fluid motors, a control valve between said first-named passage and said last-named passages comprising ports to selectively feed said last-named passages, an operating part for said control valve to set the same to selectively feed said last-named passages, and automatic positioning means for said operating part to place the latter in position to combinedly feed said last-named passages for pressure applying relation in both said fluid motors.

OSCAR C. SCHMIDT. 

